. >> speaker boehner told republican members they would have to avoid nasty fights and according to "the new york times" they seemed to listen. the word don't change a basic disagreement that could push the country off the fiscal cliff, the first of january. when a number of tax cuts expire, meaning the average family will pay $3,700 a year. and severe cuts to defense and government spending will be triggered. the sticking point on avoiding the cliff, taxes. the president campaigned on and won, on letting tax cuts for the rich expire. a leading republican said no. >> no republican will vote for higher tax rates. we will generate revenue from eliminating deductions and loopholes. >> reporter: if that sound like the argument we heard. you are right. democrats appear emboldened that rates for the rich rise. are we headed for the cliff? >> if the republicans will not agree with that, we will reach a pin the at the end of this year, where all of the tax cuts expire, and we'll start over next year. >> reporter: friday, congressional leaders come here to the was to start negotiations in earn